Join us in welcoming new leadership staff

Join us in welcoming new leadership staff

Please join us in welcoming new leadership staff in Peace River School Divsion

Secretary Treasurer
Join us in welcoming Rhonda Freeman as Peace River School Division’s Secretary-Treasurer. Rhonda received her designation as a certified General Accountant in October of 1997. Rhonda joined the PRSD family in 2015 in the Corporate-Treasurer role and effective September 1, 2017, Rhonda will transition to the role of Secretary Treasurer. Rhonda is an integral member of the Executive Team and has had primary responsibility for budgeting, accounting and payroll. In her new role as Secretary-Treasurer, Rhonda will assume executive responsibility for Support Services including Facilities, Transportation and Safety, in addition to her existing duties. Denise Fortier will continue her role as Corporate-Secretary to the end of September 2017 and will assist Rhonda as she transitions to the Secretary-Treasurer role.

“Rhonda is an integral member of the Executive Team and I look forward to working with her in her expanded role” says PRSD Superintendent Paul Bennett. “I have full confidence that she will succeed and continue to add value to the division.”

Supervisor of Teaching and Learning
Join us in welcoming Jeff Thompson to the Peace River School Division family in his role as the Supervisor of Teaching and Learning.
Jeff brings 29 years of experience in the field of education that spans from classroom teacher to the Director of Education/Chief Executive Officer. Jeff holds two undergraduate degrees, a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Education, as well as having completed a Master of Education program all from Memorial University in 1991. Most recently, Jeff completed and obtained a PhD degree in Educational Leadership. In addition to his extensive education, Jeff brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Supervisor of Teaching and Learning position. Prior to moving into the role of Director of Education/Chief Executive Officer, he worked in Labrador for over 11 years, first as a Program Specialist, then as the Assistant Director of Education - Programs. While in Labrador he had the opportunity to work with very diverse communities including five Inuit and two Innu Communities as well as a significant Métis population. In 2004, Jeff left Labrador to assume the duties of Assistant Director of Education – Programs in Western Newfoundland prior to a merge of three English School Districts into the province-wide Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.

“Jeff’s comprehensive leadership experience and expertise in strategic program development for student success, as well as his passion for creating inclusive and engaging learning communities will make him a valuable member of the division’s instructional leadership team” says Superintendent Paul Bennett.

Safety and Wellness Coordinator
Join us in welcoming David Smith as PRSD’s Safety and Wellness Coordinator.David brings over ten years of experience working within the health and safety industry performing roles such as Safety Coordinator, Industrial Manager and Emergency Medical Responder. In addition, David worked as an Electrician in the industrial and construction setting after obtaining his certification as an Electrician, Licensed Red Seal from Humber College in 2005. David also received the National Construction Safety Officer designation in 2013 and is currently completing his Certificate in Health, Safety and Environmental processes from the University of Fredericton. David also has considerable experience in policy and procedure development, design of orientation programs for new employees and organizing and completing safety inspections and investigations to ensure government compliance.

“Please join me in welcoming David to his new role” says Superintendent Bennett. “David’s education, skills and experience will certainly contribute to the goal of providing safe and caring environments for our students and staff.”

Early Learning and Literacy Coordinator
Join us in welcoming Angie Debogorski as PRSD’s Early Learning and Literacy Coordinator. Angie’s 12 years of experience as a kindergarten teacher as well as her leadership experience while most recently serving as a Divisional Learning Coach for PRSD will provide valuable experience in her new role. Angie is well versed in the promotion of literacy and the implementation of the Reading Assessment Framework. She will support teachers with instructional strategies and structures within a classroom to provide universal, targeted and specialized supports.

“Angie’s experience will serve students, families, staff and the division as she works to support students with developmental disabilities and delays, liaisons with outside agencies and collaborates with the learning supports team to support student growth and transiting” says Superintendent Bennett.

Project PEACE Coordinator
Join us in welcoming Cynthia Scratch in her role as the Coordinator for the Mental Health Capacity Building (MHCB) in Schools Project. Cynthia is no stranger to PRSD having served as the divisional Registered Provincial Psychologist during the 2016-2017 school year. Along with her experience and knowledge as a Psychologist, she has experience as an educator and in the area of special education. In her temporary role as she fills a one year leave, she will mentor and support Project Peace school-based Success Coaches and Youth Education Support Workers while overseeing the Project PEACE Mental Health Capacity Building Project programming and supports.

“We are grateful to have Cynthia serve in this role” says Superintendent Paul Bennett. “She brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and enthusiasm that is sure to benefit students, staff, families and partnering organizations.”

New leadership at Ecole Springfield Elementary School
Join us in welcoming Sarah Gordon and Gail McNabb as the new administration at Ecole Springfield Elementary School.

Sarah served as the Vice Principal at Ecole Springfield Elementary during the 2016-2017 school year and as Acting Principal for the last month of the 2016-2017 school year.

Sarah joined PRSD in 2014 and served as Vice-Principal at Kennedy Elementary School. She received her Bachelor of Education from Memorial University with a specialization in mathematics in 2004 and recently completed her Master of Education Leadership from Memorial University. Prior to working with PRSD, Sarah worked in a variety of classroom settings in Manitoba, British Columbia, and Bangkok. “Sarah has demonstrated strong leadership skills, is passionate, dedicated and exudes a positive attitude that is sure to benefit the students, staff and school community” says Paul Bennett, PRSD Superintendent.

Gail McNabb is also familiar with Peace River School Division (PRSD) and Ecole Springfield Elementary having begun her teaching career in PRSD in 1984. Gail has served PRSD in a variety of leadership roles including Assistant Principal of École Springfield Elementary School and as Alberta Initiative for School Improvement Coordinator and Divisional Learning Coach for five years. In 2013, Gail left Peace River School Division and was hired by Pembina Hills Public Schools, as Associate Principal at Swan Hills School. Gail received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 1984.

“Gail has greatly contributed to student learning and success in Peace River School Division through her contributions in leadership as an Assistant Principal and while serving as the AISI Coordinator and Learning Coach and we are thrilled to have her back in the division” says Bennett.

New Principal at Worsley Central School
Join us in welcoming Amanda Gilmore as the new principal of Worsley Central School.

Prior to receiving her Bachelor of Education from the University of New Brunswick in 2011, Amanda instructed in a variety of educational programs ranging from a Native English Teacher in South Korea, to working with students building positive learning environments in New Brunswick. In 2011, Amanda moved her career to Alberta and facilitated a Home to Work Transition Program with the Alberta Career Institute. That same year, Amanda commenced a Generalist Teacher role in Garden River, Alberta and then further broadened her career at St. Thomas More Catholic School in Fairview while performing various teaching roles as well as Co-Principal. Amanda has demonstrated a passion for inspiring, encouraging, and supporting others to strive for their personal best.

“I look forward to working with Amanda in this role and I am sure Worsley Central School and the division will benefit from her knowledge and experience” says Superintendent Paul Bennett.

New Principal at Lloyd Garrison School
Join us in welcoming Laura Estabrook as Principal at Lloyd Garrison School (LGS). Laura received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Alberta in 2011. She began her teaching career with the Grande Prairie Public School District that same year performing various teaching roles until 2015. Laura left the Grande Prairie Public School District and joined the Peace River School Division in September of 2015, initially as a Substitute Teacher at Lloyd Garrison School, and then as Kindergarten/Grade 1 Teacher at LGS.

“Laura has a passion for inspiring and motivating others as demonstrated through her leadership in several sports teams and scholastically by her involvement in developing processes and teaching practices that contribute to student achievement” says Superintendent Paul Bennett.

New Principal at Bear Canyon and Cleardale Colony Schools

Join us in welcoming Maragret King as Acting Principal at Bear Canyon and Cleardale Colony Schools for the 2017-2018 school year. Margaret received her Bachelor of Arts and Education degrees from Memorial University of Newfoundland in 1990 and began her teaching career that same year. Margaret has performed a variety of teaching roles in Newfoundland including considerable involvement as a Special Education and Challenging Needs Teacher. She has also carried out the role of Principal in a remote community in Newfoundland. In addition to being actively involved in various community groups throughout her career, Margaret demonstrates a strong interest in the performing arts, particularly drama. She pioneered the inclusion of drama in the schools where she was employed, wrote and produced several one-act plays and prepared students to perform in Regional Drama Festivals.

“It is evident from Margaret’s experience that she has a passion for inspiring and encouraging others and we are happy to have her join the Peace River School Division family.”